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Macular degeneration: causes, symptoms and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The eyes are an essential part of the human body, representing one of the sensory organs that allows us to relate to our environment correctly. Each of these organs consists of several factors, such as the cornea, the pupil, the lens, the retina and the optic nerve, which are necessary to complete its entire function. Sometimes we present alterations in vision that can even lead to loss of vision, affecting the performance of our daily activities as a result of different diseases such as macular degeneration. All people must stay informed about this visual problem, so in the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain macular degeneration: causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the eyes and causes the destruction of central vision, therefore compromising one of our vital sensory organs. Macular degeneration bears this name because the macula is involved, a part of the eye located in the retina, and that is the part of the eye that allows you to see details in objects.

This type of degeneration is related to age and mainly affects people of advanced ages, specifically those over 60 years of age, for whom it represents one of the leading causes of vision loss. This disease can affect one or both eyes.

Causes of macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is caused by damage to the blood vessels responsible for the macula’s irrigation. Although doctors do not know why it occurs, it is widespread in people of advanced ages. Its cause is associated with its types and can be:

  • Wet type macular degeneration is when abnormal and very fragile blood vessels form under the macula, which produces a drop of blood and fluid, characterizing blurred vision. This type is painless but is the most severe because vision loss is rapid.
  • Dry-type macular degeneration: occurs because the blood vessels under the macula are very fragile because they are skinny. In addition, yellow deposits are formed in a localized way called drusen that can start from very few to many; together, their cells deteriorate. Usually, people suffer from it first.

Symptoms of macular degeneration

At the beginning of the disease, it is asymptomatic, but as it progresses, they present the following symptoms:

  • In wet-type macular degeneration: which begins with a distortion of images, the person refers to observing the straight lines in a crooked way, in addition to the presence of a dark spot in the center of the vision, which grows with time and progression rapid, with a loss of central vision.
  • In dry type macular degeneration: the main symptom is blurred vision. As mentioned above, there is a loss of color in the image because they become more opaque and distorted. There is more incredible difficulty in reading and detailing something. It won’t be easy to recognize faces in the more advanced stages, even when they are close. In addition, people with dry macular degeneration have cloudy vision and difficulty seeing in the absence of light.

Macular degeneration treatment

Currently, there is no treatment to restore vision. However, some studies show the action of supplements that help improve this condition.

Treatment of dry macular degeneration

The consumption of specialized formulas that contain supplements such as vitamin Cbeta-carotene, zinc oxide, and copper is recommended. If you believe that you have macular degeneration, it is necessary to speak with your specialist doctor, the ophthalmologist, to see what to take and if the consumption of these supplements is recommended. If you have a family history of this disease, it is advisable to visit the ophthalmologist regularly for prevention.

Treatment of wet macular degeneration

The doctor may recommend the application of laser surgery since it is responsible for destroying abnormal blood vessels. In other cases, photodynamic therapy can be used, a treatment that consists of injecting a drug (verteporfin) into the body, which will then be activated in the retina and in which a special light will be applied to the area that you want to treat.

Although macular degeneration does not present treatment, it is essential to keep the functioning of our eyes in good condition. It is recommended to have a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and use sunglasses to protect them. Avoid cigarette smoking since cigarette consumption increases the risk of suffering ocular alterations at an older age; adequately rest your eyes after a long period in front of a computer and maintain proper hygiene, especially if you wear glasses of Contact.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Macular Degeneration: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Eyes and Vision category .

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